Reviews summary

The LG Optimus One is described by LG as a great choice for first-time smartphone users. In this writer's opinion, the Optimus One deserves a better lead than that. Let's break it down.

The LG Optimus One is an Android-powered candybar that offers a 3.2 inch, 320 x 480 pixel capacitive display which, while not top tier, is certainly capable, large and easy on the eyes.

Add a 3MP camera with auto-focus, video record, MP3 player, FM radio, full internet browser and native YouTube player, and you have a phone that can keep pace with the diverse and immediate needs of many users.

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Reviews summary

The LG Optimus One is described by LG as a great choice for first-time smartphone users. In this writer's opinion, the Optimus One deserves a better lead than that. Let's break it down.

The LG Optimus One is an Android-powered candybar that offers a 3.2 inch, 320 x 480 pixel capacitive display which, while not top tier, is certainly capable, large and easy on the eyes.

Add a 3MP camera with auto-focus, video record, MP3 player, FM radio, full internet browser and native YouTube player, and you have a phone that can keep pace with the diverse and immediate needs of many users.

Rate It:

Reviews
(7/10 Avg. rating)

Android on a budget, but the Optimus One is far from nasty

Gareth Beavis

from T3
(over 3 years ago)

Don’t look at the specs when buying the LG Optimus One, as that’s not what it’s about. Instead realise that the few tradeoffs you have to make are necessary to get a cutting edge Android phone for less money than it takes to replace a cracked iPhone screen. LG looks to have got the...More

Don’t look at the specs when buying the LG Optimus One, as that’s not what it’s about. Instead realise that the few tradeoffs you have to make are necessary to get a cutting edge Android phone for less money than it takes to replace a cracked iPhone screen. LG looks to have got the perfect blend of price and functionality - Android is ready for the masses

The overall best of the budgets – for the moment at least

Stuff Team

from Stuff
(over 3 years ago)

The camera isn’t much to crow about. Unlike some budget smartphones, though, you have a reasonable chance of recognising something you’ve taken a picture or a video of – even if it is a little murky and jerky in 18fps VGA. 170MB of storage on the phone itself is supplemented by the microSD slot....More

The camera isn’t much to crow about. Unlike some budget smartphones, though, you have a reasonable chance of recognising something you’ve taken a picture or a video of – even if it is a little murky and jerky in 18fps VGA. 170MB of storage on the phone itself is supplemented by the microSD slot. With the newer versions of Android there’s no need to store all your apps on the phone itself, so you can add up to 32GB of data, games and utilities. With only a few minor shortcomings, this is the best overall budget smartphone at the moment, but it is a competitive market.

A budget smartphone that gets more than just the job done

Edward Chester

from TrustedReviews
(over 3 years ago)

The LG Optimus One is quite simply some phone. As a budget smartphone, it more than gets the job done and if you can find it on a good deal, there's no reason for you to avoid it. However, equally there's little to really make us recommend it. Frankly, the Orange San Francisco still stands out as the...More

The LG Optimus One is quite simply some phone. As a budget smartphone, it more than gets the job done and if you can find it on a good deal, there's no reason for you to avoid it. However, equally there's little to really make us recommend it. Frankly, the Orange San Francisco still stands out as the bargain choice at the moment.

A great option if you’re looking for a smartphone on a budget

GSMArena Team

from GSMArena
(over 4 years ago)

The Optimus One is a low-end Android but it performs very well in its price bracket. LG’s main goal with this one is pull people away from feature phones by offering more functionality than even the most high-end feature phone.
Feature phones usually offer a better screen and a better camera but...More

The Optimus One is a low-end Android but it performs very well in its price bracket. LG’s main goal with this one is pull people away from feature phones by offering more functionality than even the most high-end feature phone.Feature phones usually offer a better screen and a better camera but often features go underutilized. Fine, there’s a GPS but what good is it without a SatNav app? There’s more to Wi-Fi than just Internet browsing too. And Android offers an incomparably rich app package compared to any feature phone platform.If the LG Optimus One P500 is your first smartphone you won’t regret it. Or if you’re looking for a smartphone on a budget, it’s a great option too. But if it’s between the Optimus One and one of the feature phones, the only thing that keeps it from being the obvious choice is the lower res screen.

The Optimus One has a set of features, which match the asking price

Daniel P.

from PhoneArena
(over 4 years ago)

As a calling device, the LG Optimus One functions decently, with clear voices in the earspeaker. Our callers said they were unable to hear us very distinctly, and the volume output was a tad low. The handset has a generous 1500mAh which lasts 7.5 hours in 3G mode, according to the manufacturer.
What...More

As a calling device, the LG Optimus One functions decently, with clear voices in the earspeaker. Our callers said they were unable to hear us very distinctly, and the volume output was a tad low. The handset has a generous 1500mAh which lasts 7.5 hours in 3G mode, according to the manufacturer.

What we saw in the LG Optimus One is a set of features, which match the asking price – nice capacitive touchscreen, smooth interface, various codecs support, and pleasant design. We’d like to see better pictures in low light situations, a more fluid browser, or adequate support of Adobe Flash, but adding a faster chipset or LED flash to the camera would have bumped up the price, so we get what’s on offer – a quite decent Froyo handset at price that would put feature phones to shame.

If you are looking for something else in this price point, running Android, and you can’t step away from brand names, the Samsung Galaxy 3 will get you there, especially when it gets the Android 2.2 update, but the LG Optimus One has the cooler design.

A very pocketable, well built, speedy communications device

Jerry Hildenbrand

from Android Central
(over 4 years ago)

I'm not one to use something for five minutes and rush out with an opinion. I don't think you can truly evaluate the good and bad about something as complicated as a smartphone without spending a while using it. I've put the Optimus through the ropes, and I'd advise anyone looking for a great...More

I'm not one to use something for five minutes and rush out with an opinion. I don't think you can truly evaluate the good and bad about something as complicated as a smartphone without spending a while using it. I've put the Optimus through the ropes, and I'd advise anyone looking for a great little phone, at a great pricing point to have a look at it. If you want to play Asphalt 5 on your phone, look elsewhere because the graphics ability, as well as the screen size and resolution isn't going to cut it.

Undemanding and pleasant

Ben Sillis

from Electricpig
(over 4 years ago)

The LG Optimus One doesn’t do a great deal wrong, bar the camera, but it also fails to stand out from the crowd. Sure, it’s one of the first cheapish phones to run Android 2.2, but what good is that when LG has scooped out some of the best features in it?

The LG Optimus One doesn’t do a great deal wrong, bar the camera, but it also fails to stand out from the crowd. Sure, it’s one of the first cheapish phones to run Android 2.2, but what good is that when LG has scooped out some of the best features in it?

A decent way for newcomers to get into Android on a budget

Gary Cutlack

from TechRadar
(over 4 years ago)

Featuring a simple back-to-basics approach by LG, the Optimus One is a sturdy and affordable way to get into Android – especially since it's the first really cheap phone to come with Android 2.2.
However, the 600MHz processor and lower resolution screen place this near the bottom of the current...More

Featuring a simple back-to-basics approach by LG, the Optimus One is a sturdy and affordable way to get into Android – especially since it's the first really cheap phone to come with Android 2.2.

However, the 600MHz processor and lower resolution screen place this near the bottom of the current Android pile in performance terms. While it's perfectly usable, it's more of an entry-level choice for newcomers or those on a budget than an Android powerhouse.

But it's nearly there – 10 per cent more processor power would've negated these minor hitches. If you're careful with your widget choices and configure the browser zoom so pages are readable without much manipulation, the Optimus One is a decent enough Android phone.

At the right price, you’ll find yourself with a phone that offers almost all the goodness that Google’s mobile OS has to offer

Chris Hall

from Pocket-lint
(over 4 years ago)

The LG Optimus One feels like a better device than LG’s GT-540 Optimus. We prefer the design and we like that the buttons are to the point, unlike the Huawei Ideos, which goes a little overboard on controls. The offering of Android 2.2 means you get some nice high-end features, even if getting...More

The LG Optimus One feels like a better device than LG’s GT-540 Optimus. We prefer the design and we like that the buttons are to the point, unlike the Huawei Ideos, which goes a little overboard on controls. The offering of Android 2.2 means you get some nice high-end features, even if getting Flash videos means moving to a new browser.

The low resolution display is an obvious weakness of the Optimus One, with a bit of a question mark over its support in the centre, but it isn’t a deal breaker - if you can get the Optimus One at the right price, you’ll find yourself with a phone that offers almost all the goodness that Google’s mobile OS has to offer.

Wow really closely follows more expensive phones for way less :)

Savannah_22172

(over 2 years ago)

I recently had an iPhone and happened to get the LG Optimus. Of course it's not the iPhone, but does a great job in keeping up with the expectations of today. For such a low price I was extremely surprised at how well this little phone kept up with everything. From emails to texts to surfing the...More

I recently had an iPhone and happened to get the LG Optimus. Of course it's not the iPhone, but does a great job in keeping up with the expectations of today. For such a low price I was extremely surprised at how well this little phone kept up with everything. From emails to texts to surfing the web, this phone does and adequate job. There are some problems with lagging and occasional wi-fi connection problems but other than a few minor glitches, this phone surprised me for the better. The physical appearance is quite easy and friendly which matches it's performance. Simple and easy. This may not have extravagant settings and accessories, but it kept up with my needs. I am researching and pursuing a tablet to be a school tool and such, but will be keeping this phone. Good job LG, you have pleasantly surprised me.

The LG Optimus One, a question of how much you want to use it.

Abram McAvoy_75225

(over 3 years ago)

I purchased this phone in April 22nd and since then I became a "phandroid," this phone is very fast for the 600Mhz. processor, and it's very user-friendly. This was the first smartphone I got, and with Koodo, and for the plan and the monthly price I couldn't be happier. There's...More

I purchased this phone in April 22nd and since then I became a "phandroid," this phone is very fast for the 600Mhz. processor, and it's very user-friendly. This was the first smartphone I got, and with Koodo, and for the plan and the monthly price I couldn't be happier. There's one thing you should remember before buying a smartphone however. You've got to remember choosing the tech specs that best suit your demands like a processor that is fast for better multitasking, a phone that comes with flash if you want to watch videos on-the-go, a bigger screen for watching videos of better quality and for better touching precision, a slide-out QWERTY or AZERTY keyboard for optimized SMS sending and Instant Messaging, a more popular brand like HTC to get more convenient updates instead of waiting half a year to get a half-@$$ed Gingerbread update, a better camera with flash so you can take pictures conveniently and with less of a lag, the goes on-and-on. Although it is very nice as a phone I think some of the features definitely should've been rethought before putting it in public.

It's decent, but acts up sometimes

Latish Vohra

(over 3 years ago)

I got my optimus one in April 2011 from Koodo. It was working fine but after 2 months, everytime I would charge it, it would freeze up when turning on. The only to fix the freeze wud b take the battery out...which was a pain. Good thing Koodo replaced it with another after constant heckling. everything...More

I got my optimus one in April 2011 from Koodo. It was working fine but after 2 months, everytime I would charge it, it would freeze up when turning on. The only to fix the freeze wud b take the battery out...which was a pain. Good thing Koodo replaced it with another after constant heckling. everything else on the phone is great.

Pretty good phone :) Not the iPhone, but still pretty awesome for an LG :)

Kelly_90579

(over 3 years ago)

I got this phone back in May/June, and I love it! The screen is a good size, the camera isn't half bad, and the touch screen is sensitive enough for me. I got it with the Koodo Tab, and I have not had any issues with it, except for texting, I find my thumbs are too big for the keys, and turning...More

I got this phone back in May/June, and I love it! The screen is a good size, the camera isn't half bad, and the touch screen is sensitive enough for me. I got it with the Koodo Tab, and I have not had any issues with it, except for texting, I find my thumbs are too big for the keys, and turning it sideways makes it awkward to text, so I went to Koodo, and instead of selling me another phone, they told us about Swype, where you drag your finger from letter to letter. It's almost like T9, except better and WAY easier then using the normal keyboard. However, you can't get it in the Android Market, you have to go to the website, and sign up where they will send you an email, and you can download it to your phone that way. Now I love texting on it again, and I didn't have to pay anything! But go for this phone if you want a cheap, but fantastic android phone!! :)

I love this phone....really!!

Urban Unicorn

(over 3 years ago)

This phone is actually pretty decent for the price. I have had a Blackberry Curve before. Which was fine when i first got it. But the battery life on it drove me to get this phone without spending lots of money. This is by far the best phone i have ever had. Battery life is amazing. I play SNES Roms...More

This phone is actually pretty decent for the price. I have had a Blackberry Curve before. Which was fine when i first got it. But the battery life on it drove me to get this phone without spending lots of money. This is by far the best phone i have ever had. Battery life is amazing. I play SNES Roms on it, listen to music and watch movies. And it holds up. The menus and going through the phone is quite simple. There is alot of features on the phone that I have yet to use and learn. I bought mine through Koodo for 100$. The only down fall of the phone i would is that it does lag a bit when opening texts but if you clear your messages every couple days its fine. I only noticed the lag when i had 2000 plus text messages.

I love this phone because...

Deanna_74219

(over 3 years ago)

This is an absolutely awsome phone. I would recommend it to anyone. The screen is clear and it's easy to handle. The pictures are awsome and clear too. If you can't afford an iphone then definately take this phone into consideration. I have seen the iphones and this is a close second to...More

This is an absolutely awsome phone. I would recommend it to anyone. The screen is clear and it's easy to handle. The pictures are awsome and clear too. If you can't afford an iphone then definately take this phone into consideration. I have seen the iphones and this is a close second to it. You won't be unhappy with this phone. Take it and love it, like me. :)

First Time User

Mainfocus

(over 3 years ago)

I have to say this is a prefect phone for first time smartphone users. Im sure its a good phone too for smartphone users as well. The only thing I would like on this phone is flash and higher megapixels for the camera. Other than that, I so far love the capability on this phone.

I have to say this is a prefect phone for first time smartphone users. Im sure its a good phone too for smartphone users as well. The only thing I would like on this phone is flash and higher megapixels for the camera. Other than that, I so far love the capability on this phone.

Simple and Powerful

Oswaldo

(over 3 years ago)

I just bought this phone because I lost my previous one, and I didn't want to spend too much money on phones since I don't like contracts, but I have to say this phone is very powerful and I am so surprised for all the functions it has.

I just bought this phone because I lost my previous one, and I didn't want to spend too much money on phones since I don't like contracts, but I have to say this phone is very powerful and I am so surprised for all the functions it has.

Simply amazing.

A. J.

(over 3 years ago)

Just bought this one few days ago (free with 3 year contract), and I am completely satisfied with the decision I have made! Never had LG products before (always end up with Samsung for some reasons) but so far it's been nice to me. Wanted to have one of those HTC phones but I know I never need...More

Just bought this one few days ago (free with 3 year contract), and I am completely satisfied with the decision I have made! Never had LG products before (always end up with Samsung for some reasons) but so far it's been nice to me. Wanted to have one of those HTC phones but I know I never need data plans, so there were only 2 choices (this phone or LG Shine Plus if I wanted to go with a free phone) so I chose this one because it comes with Android 2.2. Light weight, sleek design, clear vision/screen/resolution, feel good in hand. I bought a gel skin for this phone only because I drop things unusual frequency (butterfingers maybe?), which is the only thing I actually paid, no activation fee, no system access fee. Like the idea that this phone (or LG Shine Plus) does not require date plan subscription but can change if I wanted in the future - so if you're never sure of how much you would need for data/voice, start with cheaper plans and increse if needed. Touch screen works super good, way more responsive than my ex (iPhone). Never automatically disconnects (or stop working) Wi-Fi so web-browsing is so smooth and seamless. Very easy to get used to it, I can see why there is no user manual. If you want to transfer files (mp3 or pics) you must install LG PC Suite software (comes with the phone but not mentioned anywhere so you have to figure it out where it is once you connect to your computer) - once you finish installing then all you have to do is drag&drop files. Reception is good, speaker is pretty awesome. Easily customizable home screens (choice of 5 or 7). Takes satisfactory pictures too. Battery somehow goes a bit fast but it's maybe because I've been playing with it cause it's new and I'm curious as to how it works? No Adobe Flash Player though. I've spent a real lot of time on doing research before purchasing this, totally recommend to anyone, especially if you're anti-iPhone/Blackberry but want something a bit fancy. People say "it's good for price you pay," but that's an understatement... this phone does pretty much everything and would definitely surpass your expectation!!!